DENISON, Tex. ― A new training academy that is the first of its kind in Texas opened Wednesday in Denison. The Link Simulation and Training Air Traffic Control Academy is located at the North Texas Regional Airport in Denison.

Officials cut the ribbon Wednesday at NTRA, opening the school that will train 120 students during 2009. They say the need for air traffic controllers is growing because over the next ten years, nearly 85% of the FAA's controllers will reach mandatory retirement age.

Air traffic controller is the nation's highest paying profession not requiring a four-year degree, with an average income of more than $120,000.

"There’s a shortage right now of air traffic controllers, so this fills a great void that's out there to get a lot of folks the opportunity to get into air traffic controlling," L-3 Link president Robert Birmingham said.

For more on how to enroll, see the contact info below.

Jim Christy
L-3 Link Simulation & Training
Tel: 817-619-8651
E-mail: jim.christy@l-3com.com
Web: tp://www.link.com/ATC